Program Overview
The Bachelor of Communication (BC) is an applied communication degree, developing a broad skillset in media content production, planning, and research in international and national contexts.
You will have the opportunity to use a variety of communication technologies, including digital, audio and visual, and social media in areas like journalism, creative projects, and communications scenarios catering to different audiences. You will also learn to meet strategic goals of corporates and drivers of social change.
Christchurch, New Zealand
36 Months
NZ$ 29,550
IELTS: 6 TOEFL: 80
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Opportunities to use your skills in practical ways, including working with local organisations, and with a variety of communication technologies including digital, audio and visual, and social media platforms.
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Placements in local newsrooms as part of the Journalism major.
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Tauwhitinga Māori is the only Māori communications major on offer in Aotearoa.
With links to international partners in journalism and media studies, we offer guest lectures from global experts each semester.
Courses in the BC focus on introductory communication, as well as practical courses in media production and communicating with data analytics, and advanced applied courses in a major subject area. You may also take on an internship or project-based course in the industry as part of your degree.
See ‘How do I plan my degree?’ above for an example degree structure diagram.
Majors
Communication Strategy and Practice
Journalism
Political Communication
Tauwhitinga Māori: Māori Communication Strategy and Practice
Compulsory courses
Year 1
- COMS101 Media and Society
- COMS102 Introduction to News and Journalism
- COMS104 Introduction to Strategic Communication
- MGMT100 Fundamentals of Management
- WRIT101 Writing for Academic Success
Year 2
- COMS201 Media Audiences
- COMS207 Social Media
- COMS231 Digital Media Production
- DIGI204 Communicating with Data and Digital Media
Year 3
- COMS330 Communication in Context
You also must complete 30 points of courses at any level selected from Bachelor of Arts subjects during study.
The Bachelor of Communication is open to everyone with entry to the University and without previous study in the area. A good standard of oral and written English is important.
From the second year, entry to the Journalism major is limited to 25 places in total, and requires a special application by October 31 of the preceding year. See how to apply or contact Te Tari Mātai Pāpāho | Department of Media and Communication for more information.
Mid-year (July) starts for the Bachelor of Communication are possible, however Journalism majors are strongly recommended to begin their degree in February due to the limited entry and coursework requirements. Please contact a Student Advisor for more information and help planning your study.
| APPROVED ENGLISH TESTS | MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS |
| IELTS | Academic with an average score of 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking |
| TOEFL iBT | Total minimum score of 80, with at least 19 in reading, writing and listening. Please note UC only accepts TOEFL iBT scores from a single test date, not MyBest scores. |
| TOEFL PBT | With a minimum score of 550 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5 |
| CCEL EAP | Level 2 with a minimum C+ grade |
| CAE or CPE | minimum score of 169 with at least 162 in reading, writing, listening and speaking |
| Pearson Test of English (Academic) | PTE with an overall score of 46 and no PTE communicative skills score below 36 |
| NZCEL | Level 4 - Academic endorsement |
| FluentIQ | Overall mark of 8/10 with nothing less than a 7 being scored in a single category. |
| LanguageCert | B2 Communicator (LRWS) overall with High Pass |
| NZAPA | English New Zealand Accredited Pathway Assessment Level 2 (with no skill lower than Level 1) |
This is an indicative fee - total tuition fee will be dependent on your course selection (banded) - $ 29,550
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Get workplace experience through internships, industry projects, or community campaigns within local businesses.
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Gain applied knowledge in new and emerging media, collection and usage of data, media ethical practice, critical thinking, and analysis skills.
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Develop your skills and confidence to represent our bicultural nation through our media.
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Graduates will be ready to work as journalists, social media managers, marketers, crisis communication advisors, event managers, editors, and more.